Differences Between Old Furniture and Antique Furniture

Getting the urge to find and refinish an antique piece of furniture is a feeling that some believe can develop into an addiction. Nevertheless, if you are new to this experience and you are seeking for a piece, a great place to start looking is a garage or an old attic. After finding that wooden treasure, it is time to make sure you know the difference between antique furniture and that which is just plain old.

What determines whether a piece of furniture is really an antique or just old?

Depending on the type of antique dealer, the age of an antique is subjective. A general antique is usually considered any piece of furniture older than 50 years. A fine antique is generally one that is 150 years or older. Examining the joinery, the joints or places where it comes together, to see whether it is handmade or precisely cut, reveals its age. A piece made in the pre-1860s, before machine-cutting began, is generally an antique. Another way to tell is the finish; pieces made before 1860 were finished with shellac. You can test a piece in an inconspicuous place with denatured alcohol, or if the finish is painted over, with ammonia. Additionally, the wood itself is a possible final clue. Much of the furniture before the 1700s was made of oak; after 1700, walnut and mahogany wood was widely used. Looking over these clues on a piece, gives you a fair idea of whether it is just old or really an antique.

Having come to a fair conclusion that the piece is an antique, the next step is to seek an expert opinion. An antique dealer can help determine its authenticity. Knowing it is an antique, you are ready to carefully restore your wooden treasure to its original beauty and all its glory!